US Foreign Policy and Population Control

I was very glad to read the Opinion page article "Roots of Somalia's Crisis," Dec. 24, which emphasizes that the country's burgeoning population will double in less than 25 years and that it is a major factor in Somalia's current distress. Somalia should be seen as a warning sign for much of Africa. It will take more than armed forces to guarantee food delivery.

To tackle the problem, women in all developing countries must receive education and accessible birth-control services, plus help in establishing sustainable agriculture. Foreign aid must stress family planning, sustainable farming, and solar power rather than wood fuel.

Also, in the Opinion page article on the same issue, "An Agenda for the US and Latin America," Dec. 24, the authors did not once mention the deleterious effect of a rapidly expanding young population and the need for family planning. Before real democracy can take root, a stable population with job opportunities is necessary. This will happen only if population growth is halted and balanced with resources and jobs. Sarah G. Epstein, Washington

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